How to Write a Winning Recommendation Letter for Your Student

Students might need letters of recommendation for a variety of reasons. It could be for a job application, to get an internship, or to get into a competitive program for college students. 

This article provides tips on writing your recommendation letter and a template you can edit. Continue reading to learn more.

Why Students Need A Recommendation Letter

Students need recommendation letters to support their applications for academic programs, scholarships, internships, jobs, and other opportunities. Recommendation letters are crucial for students because they can greatly impact their academic and professional futures. Here are some reasons why:

1. College or graduate school applications

Most universities and graduate schools require applicants to submit recommendation letters as part of their application. These letters can provide insight into the student’s academic and personal qualities and help the admissions committee determine if the student is a good fit for the school.

2. Scholarship applications

Scholarships often require recommendation letters from teachers, professors, or others who can attest to the student’s academic or extracurricular achievements. These letters can greatly increase the student’s chances of receiving financial aid.

3. Internship or job applications

Certain internships or jobs may require applicants to submit recommendation letters from previous employers, teachers, or others who can speak to the student’s work ethic, skills, and character. These letters can be critical in distinguishing the student from other applicants and securing the position.

4. Study abroad programs

Some programs may require recommendation letters from teachers, professors, or others who can attest to the student’s academic or personal qualities. These letters can demonstrate the student’s suitability for the program and increase their chances of acceptance.

5. Professional certifications or licensing

Certain professional certifications or licensing bodies may require recommendation letters from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to the applicant’s skills, knowledge, and character. These letters can be important in demonstrating the applicant’s qualifications and professionalism.

How To Write A Recommendation Letter For A Student

A recommendation letter for a student should provide a comprehensive and compelling overview of the student’s achievements, character, and potential. When writing a recommendation letter for a student, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the student.

When writing a recommendation letter for a student, it’s important to start by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the student. This could include your role as a teacher, employer, mentor, coach, or any other position that has given you insight into the student’s character and achievements.

• Describe the student’s achievements and strengths.

In the body of the letter, provide specific examples of the student’s achievements and strengths. This could include academic performance, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, community service, or other areas where the student has excelled.

• Discuss the student’s character and personal qualities.

In addition to describing their achievements, discussing their character and personal qualities is important. This could include their work ethic, creativity, problem-solving skills, communication skills, or any other traits that make them valuable assets to the community.

• Provide anecdotes and examples.

Provide anecdotes and examples of the student’s achievements and qualities to make the letter more engaging and memorable. This could include stories about how the student overcame obstacles, demonstrated leadership, or positively impacted others.

• Discuss the student’s potential for success.

Finally, discuss the student’s potential for future success. This could include their academic or career goals, potential to excel in a particular field or industry, or any other factors that make them strong candidates for the opportunity they seek.

Tips For Writing A Recommendation Letter For A Student

A recommendation letter for a student should provide a comprehensive and compelling overview of the student’s achievements, character, and potential. Here are some tips for writing a recommendation letter for a student:

1. Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the student.

It’s important to establish your credentials and your relationship with the student right from the beginning. This can give your letter more credibility and help the reader understand why your opinion matters.

2. Highlight the student’s strengths and accomplishments.

When writing a recommendation letter, it’s important to focus on the student’s positive qualities and accomplishments. Be specific and give examples of how the student has demonstrated their skills, character, and work ethic.

3. Use descriptive and positive language.

Use descriptive and positive language when describing the student’s strengths and accomplishments. Avoid vague or generic language that doesn’t provide specific examples or evidence.

4. Discuss the student’s potential and suitability for the program or opportunity.

In addition to highlighting the student’s strengths and accomplishments, discussing their potential for success in the program or opportunity they are applying for is important. Provide specific examples of how the student’s skills, interests, and experiences make them a good fit for the program.

5. Address any weaknesses or areas for improvement.

If any weaknesses or areas for improvement are relevant, it’s important to address them in your recommendation letter. However, do so constructively and tactfully, emphasizing the student’s potential and positive qualities.

6. Conclude with a strong recommendation.

In your conclusion, make a clear and enthusiastic recommendation for the student. Use confident and positive language that emphasizes the student’s potential for success.

7. Proofread and edit carefully.

Before submitting your recommendation letter, proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling or grammar errors, and ensure that the tone and content are appropriate for the audience and the opportunity.

Sample and Template

Here is a sample letter of recommendation for a student that you may use.

(Date’s Today)

(Your Name)

(Your Company Name)

(Your Street Address)

(Your City, State Zip)

(Recipient’s Name)

(Recipient’s Company Name)

(Recipient’s Street Address)

(Recipient’s City, State Zip)

(Salutation: Mr./Ms./Miss/Mrs. Dr., et Last Name: )

I’m writing to suggest (student’s name) for the (name of scholarship program) Scholarship with your organization (name of school or name of scholarship program). I was his/her (your relationship with the student) and have known him/her for the last (number of months or years).

(Insert a few positive, descriptive sentences about the applicant’s performance in school, character, personality, extracurricular activities, etc.)  In addition to having firsthand knowledge of (insert applicant’s name) academic commitment, I am also familiar with his/her educational goals, as well as the challenges he/she will face when it comes to funding college tuition. I cannot think of anyone more deserving, and I wholeheartedly support his/her application. 

I’m sure that you’ll like (student’s name) just as much as I do. As a (job title) who wants to see students who deserve it do well, I strongly urge you to consider (student’s name) for this scholarship.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can give you any more information to help this student. You can call me at (your number) or (your email address).

Regards,

(Your Full Name and Signature)

(Job Title)

Wrap Up

• Students need recommendation letters for various purposes such as academic programs, scholarships, internships, jobs, and other opportunities.
• A recommendation letter should provide a comprehensive and compelling overview of the student’s achievements, character, and potential.
• It’s essential to introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the student, highlight the student’s strengths and accomplishments, use descriptive and positive language, discuss the student’s potential and suitability for the opportunity, address any weaknesses or areas for improvement, and conclude with a strong recommendation.
• Proofreading and editing the recommendation letter carefully is crucial before submitting it.